Dad>>>when I was a child you were a superhero to me. You were so strong both physically and in character. You were a good provider and I never had a worry. You gave security and safety to our family. You always were positive and upbeat. You did not like to say negative things. I know that your childhood had its challenges, however you never let that impact you negatively.
Dad>>>I learned from you the importance of having fun and pursuing your interests. You advised me to have many "broad" interests. You modeled the fun of exploring, taking things apart and using my hands for working.
Dad>>> you never could sit still. You loved activity. They said of you "He's got no pants for sitting". You loved to joke and banter. You loved meeting people and loved to give. You were always doing good deeds and always helping people in need. You really loved people.
Dad>>>You loved the outdoors and were a conservationist. When we were together I would observe you picking up litter and removing unused fishing line to protect wildlife. You studied land conservation and did much to improve habitat for wildlife. You practiced recycling and reusing. You owned 57 acres of hunting land. You had so much fun on that land and shared it with so many people. We had sledding parties, hosted scouting activities. We went bow and gun hunting. We would go shooting. We would build things and cut wood. We would spend time building a huge fire and watch it burn. We would gather food such as mushrooms or berries. We would just "fart around".
Dad>>>you took your family on so many adventures. We traveled a lot and had so many experiences. You shared your passion for the outdoors with your children. I remember rabbit hunting in 20 below weather, staying up late fishing and having fun in your boat. I remember getting stuck in a blizzard (more than once) and we would always figure things out. I remember (perhaps our greatest time together) when you shot that 10 point buck on the last day of the season on a fluke with us deciding to start target practice.
You were a great Dad. I love you and I am proud of you. Thank you for making me the person I am today. On the day you died, the chaplain said to you "Well done Matt!!!! You have fought the good fight. You have finished the course"
I want to honor. You were a great man. I am sorry that I did not always realize it. But as a father you were always understanding and did everything you could to help me succeed in life.
Goodbye Dad
©️ Leanne Brady
Published: January 6, 2017
It's never the right time
To say goodbye.
I will miss you, Dad,
And here is why.
You taught me so much:
To show no fear,
To always have fun,
And face the day with cheer.
You were always so able,
So fast and so strong.
In your little boys eyes
You could do no wrong.
You would always listen,
And you never pried.
You were the arms around me
When I cried.
You never looked for praises,
And you were never one to boast.
You were always there
For those you loved the most.
You worked so hard,
And those strong working hands
Led me through life
And helped me understand
That life can be hard,
And tough, and sad,
But through it all
I had my Dad.
And because of you,
I understood
That life was actually
Pretty good.
I believe in you
And will follow your path,
And when things go wrong,
I'll look back and laugh.
I hope you can hear me
So I can let you know
That you were and will forever
Be my superhero.
So yes, today
I am full of sorrow,
But I will smile a little more
With each tomorrow.
So please, Dad, go
Be at rest
And know to me
You were always the best.